Royal Canal on a Road Bike

Steoller · 16-02-2022 12:03PM

Was on it at the weekend, heading for Enfield, with the intent of doing a session as much off-road as possible. started in Celbridge and joined the greenway at Pike's bridge in front of Carton House. I used to think the Maynooth to Carton section was OK, especially compared to the Carton to Leixlip section. But when I got out past Maynooth harbour, it was like night and day. Miserable evening, but i couldn't keep the smile off my face.

Looking forward to the Leixlip-Maynooth section being finished, because then, apart from Celbridge main street, I'll have an almost totally off-road route from my front door to longford.

Rosahane · 16-02-2022 12:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118639743#Comment_118639743

It needs to be properly maintained though. For most of last year there were brambles growing out of the ditch in spots between Maynooth and Kilcock - take the face off you if you didn't spot them in time. They eventually cut them some time in October.

RunDMC · 16-02-2022 03:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118639901#Comment_118639901

This is a common problem, not just on the greenway. The law states that there can be no cutting, grubbing or burning of hedgerows between 1st of March and the 31st of August.

R

Mercian Pro · 16-02-2022 04:12PM

Road safety is a typical excuse used by Local Authorities for cutting of hedgerows during the nesting season and presumably is allowed for in the legislation. I very much doubt that Waterways Ireland would be prosecuted for cutting back errant brambles along canal towpaths/greenways.

For info on what we will eventually have between Maynooth and the Dublin border, see the link to the Part 8 Report at Kevin Baker's excellent Trello sitehttps://trello.com/c/J42GZBAq

buffalo · 16-02-2022 04:22PM

btw, last update I saw from KCC was on 21st Jan when they said construction would start March 2022 and last for 18 months.

Rosahane · 16-02-2022 08:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118641011#Comment_118641011

It was just briars growing out at head height and above, so hedge cutting restrictions not applicable. If I was walking along there, I'd do what I do walking on the Leixlip stretch and just cut them back with slash of a pocket knife as I walked along!

Rosahane · 17-02-2022 02:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118643431#Comment_118643431

It's covered by Section 70!

buffalo · 24-03-2022 05:46PM

Drawings for most of the remaining Kildare section went online today: https://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/AllServices/Roads/RoadSafetyCyclingandSustainableTransport/SustainableTransport/SustainableInfrastructureProjects/RoyalCanalGreenway-MaynoothtoConfey/

A few things jump out at me.

It goes along the road for some of the stretch between Pike bridge/Carton House and Deey bridge/Blakestown level crossing, I think due to narrowness of the existing track. Looks like a kerb-separated track in the existing hard shoulder.

No access from Greenway into KCC's own properties at the Amenities - instead cyclists will have to go around on unprotected infrastructure on the road.

It goes on the road again at Louisa Bridge, but it looks like a shared ped/cycle facility, which is crazy. The amount of foot traffic at times around there with Intel workers is very high. They're also changing the surface of the road and there's a dipped kerb further on, so it seems to be offering a choice to cyclists to use the path or the road. Maybe that's good actually?

It stops short of Cope Bridge, which is the one access point I had been looking forward to being modernised. :/

Seth Brundle · 24-03-2022 06:08PM

There will be parts of the canal side fenced (given the drop) - I'm not sure of the height of it (CC-SCD-0030) - hopefully it won't be excessive.

I'm disappointed that the works don't go as far as Confey Slipway (the county boundary). Hopefully I'm missing something but it looks like it doesn't even provide for decent access/exit from Cope Bridge FFS. Access currently is quite restrictive for someone on a bike on in a wheelchair...

a_shed · 04-04-2022 11:21AM

Hi

I have a road bike with only enough clearance for 700x25c tyres. I've been using Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons for a number of years and thankfully rarely get a puncture. My current set have 1000 miles on them. Recently, I have started using tow-paths and after a few spins totaling 100k, I got a puncture. This wasn't the end of the world (it took 25 mins to replace the tube and get going again), and the tyre came off/on easily enough. But I've decided to try a more puncture proof tyre and was looking for experienced tow-path users' advice.

Initially I was going to go for Gatorskin Hardshells but there are a lot of comments regarding how impossible they are to fit at the side of the road. And since I'm aiming for a solo 300k spin, I'd prefer to try and minimise the puncture risk, but at the same time be able to sort one should the need arise.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Effects · 04-04-2022 10:04PM

I've cycled the tow path a good bit using 25mm Schwalbe Durano Plus. Never had a puncture.

I switched to 28mm, which fit my frame, despite manufacturer saying it would only take 25mm max.

Gerry · 04-04-2022 10:10PM

The section along carton to pikes Bridge is very nice to cycle, tree lined etc. it's not that.. narrow. putting people out on the road there is nonsense.

tnegun · 04-04-2022 10:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118877846#Comment_118877846

I've used Schwalbe marathon plus for several 1000kms commuting and only gotten 1 or 2 punctures when the tyres were getting worn. I'm always impressed at the chunks of glass and other debris I pull out of them without getting a puncture! I used to cycle the Grand canal from Park west to Adamstown and then the Royal from Maynooth harbour to Carton 5 days a week to avoid traffic and crap roads so a fair bit of towpath.

Effects · 05-04-2022 02:08PM

I've got marathon plus on my cargo bike. I got a puncture from a really tiny thorn a few months back. Really surprised/annoyed!

a_shed · 05-04-2022 03:24PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118881339#Comment_118881339

Thanks for that. And are they handy enough to take off/put on?

DaveyDave · 05-04-2022 07:12PM

Yeah you need to be careful with the Marathon Plus, they're absolutely bomb proof but you still need to remove the chunks of glass/debris lodged in them from time to time.

tnegun · 08-04-2022 11:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118884220#Comment_118884220

I haven't had them off often enough! From memory the might have been a little tough but not impossible.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118885277#Comment_118885277

Absolutely they never fail to impress with how much they absorb and what can be dug out of them while preventing a puncture!

KevRossi · 09-04-2022 08:42AM

Marathon Plus can be taken off a lot easier with 3 (or 4) tyre levers.

Kudos to the bike repair man I met near Essaouira in Morocco who pulled the tyre off and put it back on with his bare hands! He made an excellent cup of teas as well.

Seth Brundle · 09-04-2022 03:28PM

Edward Scissorhands but with tyre levers?

wersal gummage · 05-05-2022 12:30PM

Thinking of heading out along the canal from Dublin, have never tried it but have heard a few times of this ominous sounding deep sinking!

Any up to date information on current state of canal? Is it passable or need to come off for this deep sinking section? I have 40mm knobbly tyres....

A few mentions of works taking place in kildare, is that underway?

Thanks very much.

Don't suppose anyone Dublin based would babe a link to a strava route I could download?

tnegun · 05-05-2022 12:36PM

Deep sinking is doable but dangerous, no works in Kildare as someone dropped the ball and it has to be retendered. How far are you planning on going? Train to Maynooth and starting from there means you start on the finished Greenway or train to Longford and cycle back to Maynooth for the train to Dublin means you're less likely to be denied boarding with the bike.

Stark · 05-05-2022 12:39PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119018885#Comment_119018885

Be aware with the train to/from Longford that it takes 2 bikes max. Got caught out by that when myself and a small group of friends decided to try cycling one way. Should be okay with train from city to Maynooth as there are commuter trains and they'll take multiple bikes off peak.

tnegun · 05-05-2022 01:03PM

Same here denied boarding to an empty train in one of the lockdowns to make it worst! The train had about 15 people on it but it was too dangerous to carry bikes, he wouldn't even allow them be dismantled and placed in the luggage racks.

Effects · 05-05-2022 01:57PM

Deep sinking is one of my favourite parts. Just take it handy. I've even done it on 25mm on a road bike before.

Effects · 05-05-2022 02:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119019004#Comment_119019004

There's a big deal made about following rules in Irish Rail, for safety reasons. Some people are just a bit sounder about it sometimes.

wersal gummage · 05-05-2022 02:02PM

Thanks all.

How far am I going.... No idea! If I plan it properly /manage to find a window or time, maybe 6 hours or so, allowing for a few stops.. Not going at full tilt or anything, more of a relaxed pace. My normal outing would be enniskerry, Sallygap etc on the road bike and maybe 70 to 100km sort of thing, but have a gravel bike and feel need to justify purchase, so after a few excursions off road around enniskerry I'm thinking canal next...

Hadnt even considered the train so thanks for that option.

The Davestator · 05-05-2022 02:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119019327#Comment_119019327

The royal canal website is very good for distances. The whole thing is a lovely spin, especially if the weather plays ball.

Rosahane · 05-05-2022 05:31PM

The wind can be annoying as in places it funnels along the canal so best to plan to have it at your back and use the train either to or from Mullingar or Longford to suit. You can book online in advance and book the bike slot.

It's a lovely spin but make sure you have a loud bell as the majority of walkers are too busy gossiping to notice anything 😁

getoutadodge · 05-05-2022 07:18PM

the deep sinking is my favourite part.

at this time of year there will be no issue.

bit knobbly with tree roots etc but just take it slow

hopefully the nimbys there will be overuled to allow the new northside greenway...soon.

wersal gummage · 05-05-2022 07:45PM

Thanks again, very helpful info.

On the train, am I next to bike or do I have to leave it in some bike storage compartment etc unattended? I'll check out the train website, maybe info is there. Thanks again

Royal Canal on a Road Bike

Comments